Port Erin Commissioners has announced that its local authority rate for the forthcoming financial year will be set at 404p, an increase of 4.94% from the current rate of 385p. This equates to an increase of £22.04 per annum, or 42p per week for a typical 3-bedroom property within Port Erin.

Port Erin Commissioners’ Chair Mrs Hannah Mackenzie announced:

As we look toward the 2026 to 2027 financial year, the Board’s vision is clear: we are returning to the heart of what makes Port Erin special. Our focus is firmly on a back-to-basics approach, ensuring that our primary efforts are dedicated to working for you, our ratepayers, and supporting the visitors who sustain our local businesses. We are committed to returning to the high standards of service and beauty that have long defined our village and, to achieve this, we are proposing a modest rate increase of 4.94 per cent. While we are mindful that this is slightly above the current Island inflation rate of 3.3 per cent, it is a vital investment. It ensures that Port Erin remains a vibrant and well-maintained destination that continues to attract the footfall our local shops, cafés and services rely on year-round.

To better serve our community, we have made the strategic decision to surrender the administration of the Southern Civic Amenity Site. By moving away from this regional administrative role, we are ensuring that our Key Officer Focus is returned where it belongs: 100 per cent on the village of Port Erin. This change allows our dedicated team to spend more time on the ground, overseeing the local projects and services that directly impact your daily lives.

Part of our commitment to you is being open about the path ahead. This budget acknowledges a forecast loss of income following the Reayrt Vradda project, which has not progressed as originally hoped. The Board has already given a clear commitment to bringing information into the public domain that sets out how this project was brought forward, ensuring full transparency for our community, and those who attend our public meetings will be aware that a specific public meeting will be called imminently.

While this situation presents a financial challenge, our back-to-basics strategy is designed to absorb this shortfall by prioritising essential village infrastructure and community services over external projects. The Board has decided that certain one-off costs, including legal fees in this matter, will be absorbed from our reserves.  As a Board, we have been disappointed by the public narrative presented by the liquidator and we reiterate that our priority is our ratepayers. We invite the liquidator to publicly share their proposals and details of the proposed investors so that the local community can then make their views known directly to us as a Board. 

We believe that a beautiful, functional village is the best way to support those who live here and those who choose to visit us. 

Our budget reflects this by focusing on the basics and supporting our iconic landmarks; we continue to work with the operators at the Cosy Nook to ensure this historic site continues to welcome visitors. We continue to pursue a capital scheme though our housing income, to modernise St Catherine’s Terrace at no cost to the ratepayer.

We are also investing in our Glens to keep our natural spaces safe, well managed and inviting for everyone. 

We continue to support community spirit through event donations for key dates throughout the year, which bring life and business to our streets with the enthusiasm of our local traders association, and we have committed to investigate areas that can support visiting motorhomes in the heart of the village.

Furthermore, we are maintaining our Library services as a free, vital resource for the community, alongside a significant planned investment in street lighting.

This budget is a commitment to the quality of life in Port Erin. By focusing our time, energy and resources on our own village, we are building a stronger, more resilient community for everyone who lives, works and visits here.

You can view the budget here: